By Peter Koutroumpis
RALEIGH, N.C. – Some may say that the Carolina Hurricanes opening training camp under real and impending storm conditions presented by Hurricane Florence is fitting.
With so many changes and adjustments in front office, coaching and player personnel during the offseason, throwing a weather-related incident – albeit a hurricane – into the mix plays right to script.
With the currently Category 2 storm strengthening and weakening all week and expected to make landfall off the southeast North Carolina coast Thursday, the NHL team released an adjusted schedule to begin preparation for the upcoming 2018-2019 season.
The team announced on Wednesday that it received approval from the National Hockey League (NHL) to begin on-ice practice on Thursday afternoon, rather than waiting to do so at originally scheduled morning times on Friday.
Following the afternoon sessions, the team has planned to cancel practice on either Friday or Saturday in order to keep players and staff off of the roads when Raleigh is expected to face its worst effects from the storm.
Carolina Hurricanes – Training Camp Group Rosters
The team will still practice in two groups on Thursday, beginning with Team Grit taking to the ice at PNC Arena from 2:45-3:45 p.m., followed by Team Grind skating from 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
As previously announced, due to the expected inclement weather conditions, both sessions will be closed to the general public.
Peter Koutroumpis: 401-323-8960, @pksport